DLMoody web

Between two Worlds

 Ambassadors represent their country in an official way.  It is a great system of relationship, accountability and dialogue.  An ambassador;  can be that nation  "in the flesh" instead of only, an Email or fax and phone call away.  The office also displays a desire of co-habitation and peace.

We have read on the internet or television evening news, that an Ambassador has been asked to leave a country, because of the behavior of his country, family or personal life and comments.

We would be proud and look forward to be appointed, chosen or voted to become an Ambassador.  The danger of being an Ambassador comes into play, such as Benghazi, or Afghanistan.

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Followers of Christ have heard Jesus call, as the disciples in the New Testament, as He says: "Follow Me."  We do, and drop our nets to follow, trusting His work on the cross, as our only hope to spend eternity with God. Receiving forgiveness and covering of sin and receiving the Spirit of God becoming Born again spiritually!

As believers and followers of Christ immediately we are citizens of  "Another country."  We are very much in this world but not of it.  We are viewed that way as well, by this world because our conversation,  lifestyle, home is new and different.

Christ from His Authority,  has commissioned us to go into these communities as His Ambassadors and actually building His "Kingdom."  He appoints us to be great representatives and letting people see your good deeds so that He might receive the glory. This is not the seeking of world domination as a world religion, but guiding to a personal relationship with God, in Christ!

Paul writes to the Philippians Church and us; "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among who you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life..."

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In 2 Corinthians:  "Therefore from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we know him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.  Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not  imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are Ambassadors  for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ's behalf, to be reconciled with God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

NEW LIFE!!

Seasons are changing, Easter has come and gone bringing New Life.  During the long, cold and snowy winter, we still had hope remembering that this flower, was over here, that rose bush over there.  Though it was miserable and barely any life outside, we had hope.

With the strum on an invisible harp, even this morning the Sun woke up and the daffodils miraculously appeared!  Talk about a peaceful feeling.  We all enjoy something new; new clothes, car, house, babies.

Paul wrote many times in the Bible about old things passing away all things made new.  He said to renew your mind! This is a great time to start a new relationship with God, maybe renewing our commitment to the relationship.

Jesus said:  "Marvel not, that you must be born again." Later He said: "I came that you might have LIFE."

Again Paul wrote to Christians:  "Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." This is not just repair or rehab this is new life!!

Those that are followers and believers in Christ can say "Amen."

(pic is from 2014)

Is Church Membership Really Necessary?

"Are you Crazy?!"

   How many times have you received that look, (like you had escaped from the asylum), when you begin talking about God's love and eternity through faith in Jesus.  The better question might be;  How many times have we been silent, so that we don't receive that look?

   We coolly say we don't want to scare anyone away or make them angry,  never to speak to us again.  I  suspect more believers are scared of embarrassment.  It can be an awkward.  I know we have to be wise during that conversation.  Regardless, there has to be a conversation. No one spends eternity with God, because you were polite or we let them borrow a yard tool.   Where are you going to scare them away to?  Hell #2.or #3?  Let them now,  see and hear the sermon as well. Talk the talk and walk the walk. We don't have to be weird, just a light in the darkness.

   "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, not with wisdom of words. lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God....For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.    1Corinthians 1: 17,18, 25

Three Positively Negative Reasons

Our churches have values written on the wall, or tucked away in a folder in the filing cabinet.  Many times the only person knowing the vision of the church is the secretary that had to type them.  We say one purpose yet in our ministries, display another. Lukewarm or closing the doors, many in the church don't see it and don't want to, having their head in the sand!

There are reasons why our church bodies are either ineffective or spinning their wheels in muddy denial of spiritual dis ease. 

HERE ARE THREE:  (AT LEAST)

1. UNINTENTIONAL
     There have been decades, where Christians have just "shown up" at Worship and lukewarm in our love for God's Kingdom in evangelism and service in/to/with the community.  There is a lack of intention and focus. You can lead the way by determining to focus on God's direction consistently!

2.  UNFAITHFUL
       We have a great start.  New greeters, but now, the list of greeters is thinning. there are no small group leaders, or Sunday school teachers present during worship service. Once excited leaders have now exited!   Church attenders have "other things to do." Shame on us leaders and church members!

3.  COMMUNICATION
     Often;  There aint none.  We often don't speak face to face in the church lobby. There is never the attempt toward building relationships, while saying they know no one. We never inform or brief, "the troops".  Leaders drop the ball, never communicating with one another our issues or problems. Many times the dangerous act of no discipleship or leadership training communicates that we are merely a social club.

We can make that difference when we accomplish goals, as well as God's vision for our Church body.
Let's turn it around with intentional living, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

ACTS 2: 40-47.

Plan to;  Pray,  share God's vision, begin an intentional Bible study and discipleship meetings/classes, develop leaders, pray.

Be intentional,  faithful and communicate!

Trust God!

When you pass through deep waters I Will be with you; And the rivers shall Not overwhelm you." ~Isaiah43:2